This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every persons position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the FAQ and RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate and remove the ads - it's free!

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Originally Posted by JMak

I haven't seen him make such a claim. However, yeah, one purpose of this defense shield is to defend against missile attack. That a threat is not imminent or even likely within, say, 5 years, doesn't render the system unjustified.

And, this is the expressed intent of the system.
He claims that there is another intent, and hasnt been even close to ofering support for that claim.

Fact of the matter is, countries like Iran and NK ARE developing missiles that can reach us and our allies. That creates a threat. The NMD is in response to that threat.

There's NO reason why we should not have the capability to shoot these missiles down, should the need arise.

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Originally Posted by JMak

I haven't seen him make such a claim. However, yeah, one purpose of this defense shield is to defend against missile attack. That a threat is not imminent or even likely within, say, 5 years, doesn't render the system unjustified.

If that is your logic then why ever have considered constructing any number of weapons systems beyond bows and arrows, rocks, horses, etc.? The utility in developing new weapons systems, offensive or defensive, is to gain tactical or strategic advantage.

Imagine that Iraq develops a nuke missile capability. The point-of-no-return has been reached. Now Iran has the ability to hold us politically hostage. It's their advantage. A missile shield mitigates that advantage, hopefully fully, but nonetheless mitigates their advantage.

That's the point.

So we're bankrupting ourselves because of a threat 5 years away and that threat will only be realized with provocation. By your logic any country with nuclear capabilities could "hold us politically hostage". Are you really so deluded as to think this will happen? The only reason you believe this is because the hack of a president Bush said we should be afraid. I see all of the Neo-cons for what they really are. Cowards.

I wonder if scourge99 will come back and call you a child for making a "false dichotomy".

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Russia is threatened by a defensive measure? This is ridiculous. The Russians are basically asking the US to keep the missile defence system down so they can attack if needs be. DEFENCE system - that 'defence' part is the key here as it not, in fact, 'attack' and thus not directly a threat to Russia.

www.thecaffeinemachine.com - looking for main-page political writers, so if anyone is interested send a PM (apologies if that violates any rules)

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Originally Posted by Richard Nixon

Russia is threatened by a defensive measure? This is ridiculous. The Russians are basically asking the US to keep the missile defence system down so they can attack if needs be. DEFENCE system - that 'defence' part is the key here as it not, in fact, 'attack' and thus not directly a threat to Russia.

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Originally Posted by shiznit770

1. Prove there is a threat.

Asde from the fact that I said "stay ahead of the threat" precludes any necessity of this...
There in no question whatsoever that both Iran and NK are developing missiles that can reach the areas protected by the NMD.Missiles - North Korea Special WeaponsIran Missiles
(Note that these sites are not up-to-date)

2. Your misunderstanding of others is the root of your fear.

LOL
Don't have a counter-argument, so you side-step by claiming that I am afraid.
LOL

Ah the discarding of evidence and an opposing view. Sure sign of an ideologue.

You havent provided any evidence to discard.
Disagree?
Show any evidence whatsoever that the NMD is intended to protect the US or its alloes from a residual second-strike missile attack.

Then tell me why you think it is a bad idea for the US to be able to shoot down a nuclear-tipped ICBM launched at an American city.

Re: US successfully tests anti-missile shield

Originally Posted by shiznit770

So we're bankrupting ourselves because of a threat 5 years away and that threat will only be realized with provocation. By your logic any country with nuclear capabilities could "hold us politically hostage". Are you really so deluded as to think this will happen? The only reason you believe this is because the hack of a president Bush said we should be afraid. I see all of the Neo-cons for what they really are. Cowards.

I wonder if scourge99 will come back and call you a child for making a "false dichotomy".